September 20. 2026 - Emporia State soccer capped off the opening weekend of MIAA action with their first shutout of the season, defeating Fort Hays State 3-0 on Sunday afternoon at the ESU Pitch.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first shot of the match came from the Hornets in the third minute, and just minutes later Emporia State broke through not once, but twice.
In the sixth minute, Emporia State had possession in the midfield and played the ball down the left wing for Avery Zimmerman. Zimmerman gained possession and after beating the right back into the box, slotted the shot into the bottom right corner as the Hornets jumped in front 1-0. Following the Zimmerman goal, Emporia State quickly doubled their advantage. Fort Hays State kicked the ball deep into the Hornet half of the field, and after a throw-in, the Hornets quickly moved forward with an pass from Dahlia Placino beyond the backline setting up Ella Favot who converted to make the score 2-0.
The Hornets and Tigers each had five shots over the remaining 38 minutes of the first half but the Hornets took their 2-0 lead into the halftime break.
After the intermission, the 2-0 lead for Emporia State continued to hold, despite a few chances for the Tigers in the Hornet penalty area. In the 83rd minute, the Hornets would cap off the afternoon with their third goal of the day, again coming from Favot.
Ava Huston found Favot down the left side and the Thunder Bay, Ontario dribbled past the keeper before slotting it home on her left foot for her second goal of the afternoon.
A LOOK AT THE STATS
Emporia State held a 17-11 shot advantage over the visiting Tigers. Ella Favot scored her fourth and fifth goals of the season while Avery Zimmerman found the back of the net for the third time. Dahlia Placino and Ava Huston each picked up their first assist. In goal, Andrea Guzman picked up her first career shutout, which also marked the first shutout for Emporia State this season.
UP NEXT
Emporia State will be back in action on Sunday, September 27 as they travel to Tahlequah, Okla. for a matchup with Northeastern State. Kickoff between the Hornets and Riverhawks is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
